How to get a Baume et Mercier appraisal?

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northarldad

·Aug 25, 2018

I have a 1980s B&M watch but no idea of the value. I have scoured the web, and not found anything. Hoping someone here will have a few constructive thoughts on how to get this watch appraised.

Thanks, in advance.

 

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X350 XJR

·Aug 25, 2018·Vintage Omega Aficionado

Have you tried eBay SOLD listings?

 

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OmegaSean

·Aug 26, 2018

chrono24 they have lots of vintage watches on the site to compere?
OmegaSean

 

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Davidt

·Aug 26, 2018

You'll also need to understand the differences between various appraisals, insurance valuations and valuations from various sources.

A typical insurance valuation will value watches/jewellery at up to 5x actual market value.

 

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northarldad

·Aug 26, 2018

Thanks. I have yet to find the same model watch anywhere, thus my problem finding a basic appraisal.

 

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Dan S

·Aug 26, 2018

Maybe you can explain exactly what you are looking for. An official appraisal for insurance purposes? An approximate valuation for use as a buyer or seller?

If you'd like help from the experts on the forum, you should provide photos of the watch and the model/reference #.

 

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northarldad

·Aug 26, 2018

Dear Dan: Thanks and good advice.

I had posted in an earlier post that got no replies. I am seeking to get a sense of fair market value. I am interested in buying a Omega Speedmaster moonwatch with the sale proceeds.

Here are photos from the watch. I believe it is a Van Cleef and Arpel version of a B&M from the early 1980s.

#s on back at
37077
821958

I have asked an auction house for an estimate with no luck. B&M itself has not been responsive.

Any and all leads appreciated.

Jon

 

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Dero13

·Aug 26, 2018

This is the only 37077 I see on ebay sold items. It went for just over 1000 USD. Not the exact same as yours but should give you an idea on what its worth.

https://m.ebay.com/itm/BAUME-MERCIE...406217?hash=item3d6aa81849:g:v7MAAOSwBjdaE~k1

 

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Foo2rama

·Aug 26, 2018·Nowhere near as grumpy as he used to be...

Dero13

This is the only 37077 I see on ebay sold items. It went for just over 1000 USD. Not the exact same as yours but should give you an idea on what its worth.

https://m.ebay.com/itm/BAUME-MERCIE...406217?hash=item3d6aa81849:g:v7MAAOSwBjdaE~k1

Quartz though...

I don’t see hallmarks either. The only ones of these I see are hand wound which would price them higher.

Really hard to gauge but I’d guess it would get about 5-600 is on eBay at most with a chance of a lot less.

 

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michael22

·Aug 26, 2018

Hallmarks may be inside the case back.

 

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northarldad

·Aug 27, 2018

thanks for the input. This is why I would like to find a formal valuation - http://sold.oldworldjewelers.com/proowned-baume-mercier-tiger-eye-18K-gold-tank This watch, all but identical but without diamond inlay was listed at 2500. No idea of sales price, but would rather be informed by experienced B&M resource if anyone can help, it would be appreciated.

 

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Davidt

·Aug 27, 2018

1. They are an established jeweller and will treat a Watch such as this like a piece of jewellery (I.e. A private seller will likely get around a quarter, max, of their asking price).

2. Theirs is a mechanical which is more desirable than a quartz.

The diamonds are small and won't add much value to your watch.

I'd say the estimate that @Foo2rama gave is probably accurate.

Edited: Aug 27, 2018

 

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Dan S

·Aug 27, 2018

N northarldad

thanks for the input. This is why I would like to find a formal valuation - http://sold.oldworldjewelers.com/proowned-baume-mercier-tiger-eye-18K-gold-tank This watch, all but identical but without diamond inlay was listed at 2500. No idea of sales price, but would rather be informed by experienced B&M resource if anyone can help, it would be appreciated.

That website shows a mechanical watch, which is more valuable than quartz, but still that $2,500 asking price is absurd.

Unfortunately, a quartz watch like this is not of interest to collectors, so it's basically a pre-owned fashion watch, not a collectible vintage watch. I would take a look at some of the pre-owned consignment sites like therealreal and truefacet, but keep in mind that yours is quartz, and also that their asking prices are often about 50% over market value.

The watch is small, so the scrap value of the gold and diamonds is also not going to be very high. My gut feeling agrees with @Foo2rama that you would be very lucky to get $500, and that's assuming it's solid gold.

 

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northarldad

·Aug 27, 2018

Thanks all for the thoughtful and informed input. Very helpful and appreciated. OF a terrific resource.

 

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northarldad

·Sep 14, 2018

FYI I found out a bit more from B&M. It is a 1970s Diamant Quartz with 18k gold and a sapphire crystal. I am getting it appraised as a piece of jewelry for the gold and diamond value and then will see what I can to do with it. Thanks

 

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Davidt

·Sep 14, 2018

Make sure they are clear on what the appraisal is for - is it the value or the insurance value?

Bear in mind their appraisal may well be 2-5x what a private seller would achieve in a sale. If you have any doubt about this, once they have appraised it, see if they wish to purchase it for close to their valuation.